Scott Fergusson. Courtesy photo.

1. What issues do you believe are most central to this year's District 1 supervisorial election?

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Job stimulus; creating more jobs for our bedroom community. I think we need to educate people on the programs that are available to them already especially for people who want to start business for themselves. We also need to solicit companies and other organizations to consider Lake County a viable location.

I also think that our local government needs to be held more accountable. It seems that too many decisions are made that benefit the people that "have connections" instead of decisions being made that best suit the whole of this county/district.

2. What traits make you the best person to represent District 1 on the Board of Supervisors?

People that know me or have worked with me would say that I am hardworking, loyal, motivated, a good leader, fair, balanced and flexible. During my 10 years in the Marine Corps I went through numerous leadership training courses to develop skills to deal with the diverse population that is enlisted in the Marine Corps. Also, I listen to all sides before I come to conclusions; I am trustworthy to represent all of the people in District 1 and not just a select group.

3. Are you for or against background checks and drug testing for In-Home Supportive Services workers who care for Lake County's elderly? Why or why not?

I'm in favor of background checks, however, exceptions may be made for some family members. Having served in a foster care home I know how vulnerable some situations can be. I would never want someone to take care of any family member of mine without them having a thorough background check. The people who need care are at risk of being abused physically, mentally and financially and should be protected.

4. What benefit or negative impact do you believe Indian gaming has had on the county's economy and county government's budget?

I think the Native American community with their enterprises has created jobs for locals and they volunteer to give money back to the county. To this point I believe it has been a win-win situation.

5. How serious a threat is the quagga mussel? Did the county move fast enough to stop its spread to Clear Lake and other county bodies of water?

From what I've read, it could be a very serious potential threat to our lake and surrounding lakes. Because the quagga mussel multiplies very rapidly and could wreak havoc on our lake's ecosystems.

It seems at this point, the county may have moved fast enough but, talking with boat ramp owners, the county should have prepared sooner when it was an issue with other lakes in the state. It would have been a much smoother transition for the ramp operators and boaters.

6. Where do you stand on Propositions 98 and 99, and, most particularly, what is your position regarding the use of eminent domain to seize private property for the purpose of transferring ownership to a private developer to build shopping centers, industrial complexes and other non-public projects?

I am 100-percent opposed to eminent domain in all forms. As long as the property is maintained and taxes are paid, a person's property is a person's property. I am opposed to both of the propositions, both seem to have wording and loopholes that leave judges and other officials at their own discretion to have the final say rather than the landowner.

7. How would you describe your philosophy for growth in Lake County? How can the county's growth best be managed?

Since Lake County is a bedroom community, having more houses than jobs, we need to focus on creating jobs either by educating people on becoming self-employed or soliciting outside companies to look at Lake County as a viable location. As far as county growth is concerned we have plenty of housing, we must create jobs and that will be no small task.

8. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, how will you uphold your oath of office?

When elected and I take the oath of office, I will do my best to uphold the state and US Constitutions; I will treat all the same, with respect, and not be swayed by special interest groups.

9. Agriculture is an important part of Lake County's economy. What is the biggest concern facing agriculture and what would you do about it? Are you for or against rezoning agricultural lands to other uses?

Lake County agricultural production values, 2006: $68,766,000 (state ranking: 41st)

Top five crops, by value, 2006:

Winegrapes, $43,205,000

Pears, $11,315,000

Nursery Products, $4,318,000

Walnuts, $3,353,000

Cattle and Calves, $2,250,000

(Courtesy of California Farm Bureau)

With numbers like these, we need to do all we can to support our local agriculture and bring in more.

I think it's important to use zoned land for its intended purposes first; however, when it is necessary and in the best interest of the district, I would have to look very closely at what is proposed and how the community responds to the project.

10. Do you favor making Lake County a GE-free zone when it comes to agricultural crops? Why or why not?

Before I could answer this question I would have to do more research on genetically engineered food and its long-term effects on the human body, if any.

11. What would be your approach to promoting local businesses and attracting new businesses to the county?

See question No. 1

Endorsements

Scott Fergusson's candidacy has been endorsed by the following local businesses and individuals.

5 Star Towing ~ Middletown

TJ Auto ~ Middletown

Copy Shack ~ Middletown

Mugshots Espresso ~ Middletown

Michael Tufts, Tufts Polygraph and Investigation ~ Middletown

La Corona Market ~ Middletown

Lake County Cleaning Company

Val's Pets ~ Middletown

Middletown Florist and Gifts

Middletown Garden Center

Middletown Barber Shop

Gotta Have It ~ Middletown ~ Shirley Milner

Carolyn Burns, Insurance Management Services ~ Middletown

Ravenwood Tree Service ~ Middletown

AAA Computer Repair ~ Lower Lake

Middletown Video

Chad Mosier, Mosier Engineering and Surveying ~ Middletown

Linda Fergusson, New York Life ~ Hidden Valley Lake

Devine Consignment ~ Middletown

Vanessa Hajje ~ Acupuncture Clinic ~ Middletown

David Holcomb, Esq., Law Offices ~ Middletown

Ryan Cooper, Software Developer ~ Middletown

Lakeshore Bait and Tackle ~ Clearlake

Lake Appliance ~ Middletown

Jan-Mar Corporation ~ Middletown

Teresa Welter CPS Realty / ACN ~ Hidden Valley Lake

Michelle Forney Astro Jumps ~ Hidden Valley Lake

Carrie Stine CPS Realty ~ Middletown

Deputy Mike Pasco, Lake County Sheriffs Dept

Nicolaj Murray, President, Konocti Rod and Gun Club

Willowside Meats Inc.

Randy Fung, Custom Pistol Grip Maker ~ Cobb

Jay De Foe, Phoenix Gallery ~ Middletown

TT Gun Leather ~ Middletown

Alfunze Construction ~ Middletown

Janina Elder Trustee DOJ ~ Middletown

Steve Wismer, Contractor / Teacher ~ Middletown

Marc and Heather Spadaro and Family

Wes and Kara Chapman and Family

Curtis and Tina Stewart and Family

Lisa Hemenway ~ Realtor

John J Berg CLU ~ Santa Rosa

Connie L George ~ Healdsburg

Holly Cade ~ Novato Ford

Ron Cade ~ US Army

Christel Haung ~ US Army

Robert Rosenthal ~ M.D.

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The meeting will be held in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

The following items are on the agenda:

• County/city housing program administration;

• Animal Control Services contract;

• Marketing program contract;

• Lampson Airport Sewer;

• Proposed agreement for North Lakeport Intertie;

• Annexation issues;

• Extension of water cervices to S. Main Street;

• County/city services;

• Bevins Street maintenance agreement;

• Street improvements adjacent to the county library;

• LACOSAN/CLMSD connections.

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Late last week, the Lake Family Resource Center, which is leading the domestic violence shelter building effort, was awarded a $1 million forgivable loan from the California Department of Housing and Community Development's Emergency Housing Assistance Program, said the center's executive director, Gloria Flaherty.

“It's phenomenal,” said Flaherty.

Flaherty and the center's fiscal director, Lisa Fronsman, attended the committee meeting last week, where the vote was unanimous to make the loan to the Lake County shelter effort. An official award letter will be delivered in June.

According to the program's requirements, if in 10 years the shelter building is still being used for its original purpose, the 10-year, 3-percent loan will be forgiven, said Flaherty. “Payments would start in 10 years if we changed the use of it, which obviously we wouldn't.”

The $1 million forgivable loan, coupled with $130,000 Lake Family Resource Center has raised over the past year in local fundraising, constitutes about one-third of the project's total cost, Flaherty explained.

This new award will help pay for architectural drawings and most of the building itself plus the beginning of the permit process, said Flaherty. Once the paperwork is completed, the center will begin seeking potential architects and project managers.

The building is to be located at the corner of Live Oak and Highway 29 in Kelseyville, said Flaherty. The land, owned by Sutter Lakeside Hospital, will be rented to the resource center for $1 a year as part of a 50-year lease.

The county itself has set aside $100,000 for the shelter construction project, said Flaherty. Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors also agreed to waive all of the shelter's planning fees, although they were unable to exclude Special Districts fees.

“The county has been wonderful,” Flaherty said.

One of the big costs will be site preparation, which the center has to raise money for this year, said Flaherty.

Receiving the forgivable loan will put some time lines on the project. Flaherty said the program guidelines require ground to be broken 12 months after the award is finalized, with a possibility of a one-year extension.

She said she believes the award won't be finalized until August or September, putting groundbreaking around September of 2009 and completion in 2010.

“We are under a bit of a time crunch,” she said.

In the meantime, they're hoping to raise another $1 million in the next year through grants and more forgivable loans, but that includes about $600,000 that will need to be raised locally, she said.

Donations also can be made in the form of services. Flaherty said the Moore Family Winery has donated a week of site preparation, and Kelseyville Lumber is providing building materials at cost plus 5 percent.

The center is seeking some clarification on whether or not they can use volunteer labor for the project, which has a prevailing wage requirement, she said.

The domestic violence shelter currently run by Lake Family Resource Center is a small, 14-bed facility in a confidential location that offers more than 4,000 bed nights a year, said Flaherty.

The new shelter would be more high profile, housed in a building that would eventually house Lake Family Resource Center's offices, as well as meeting rooms and classrooms available to the public. Locating all services in one place will allow center staff to coordinate services and work more efficiently, said Flaherty.

Moving to a more visible location which also houses the center's other services is believed to lend a level of safety and community ownership, said Flaherty.

The new shelter will have 25 beds, and will be served by the same six staffers, said Flaherty.

Each family will have its own room, with single women sharing rooms in some cases, she said. There will be common living, meal and laundry facilities.

The need for a larger shelter is definitely there, said Flaherty.

“Lake County has a high incidence of domestic violence, for whatever combination of reasons,” she said. One of the primary reasons includes a growing population.

Earlier this month, the 14-bed facility housed 20 people who needed shelter, she said.

The growing need for services is impacted by a number of things, including community growth and greater awareness of the shelter, said Flaherty.

While most of the shelter's service are used by women, they also serve battered men, about three to four a year plus their families, who receive all the same counseling and support services as female domestic violence victims, Flaherty said.

Due to the terms of the shelter's funding, the men are not housed there. Instead, Lake Family Resource Center provides them shelter through vouchers for hotel and motel stays, which will continue with the new shelter, she said.

“There may come a time when we need to look at other shelter options for that population,” she added.

The average stay for the local shelter is less than three months, although some women have been there longer than six months due to the lack of transitional housing, which Flaherty said is the next step, when women are ready to live independently but still have some case worker support and assistance with rent.

In those cases, women have generally arrived a place where they have jobs or other means of support. Flaherty said after three months 67 percent of the women served by the shelter have jobs.

“Many women who come into the shelter have not lived independently,” she explained.

Once the shelter project is finished, Flaherty anticipates Lake Family Resource Center will take on transitional housing projects.

If you would like to assist the shelter effort, call Lake Family Resource Center at 262-1611 or 888-775-8336.

Gail Salituri's Inspirations Gallery also is holding an art fundraiser in the name of Barbara LaForge to benefit the shelter project. For more information contact the gallery at 263-4366 or visit Salituri's Web page, www.gailsalituri.com/Memorial.html.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Cobb resident Robert Stark would like to be the next District 5 supervisor. Courtesy photo.

1. What issues do you believe are most central to this year's District 5 supervisorial election? {sidebar id=75}

For me the overriding issue for Lake County is the economy as every facet of our lives depends on it. It is imperative that the people of Lake County move toward a more self-sustaining economic position.

On my Web site, http://robertstark.wikispaces.com, I have outlined how we can go about combining the various elements of the economy to help us proceed.

Our marketing specialists need to direct their attentions to helping businesses in Lake County to be successful. Encouraging the restoration of the family-oriented resorts, finding and helping the ag community, research new high efficiency horticultural products whether they be for consumer-related or energy-related. Continue to seek “green” solutions that create businesses that can flourish in Lake Counties unique environment, and provide educational opportunities associated with green energy. Build this economy from within, not from without, keep local contractors working, and support local businesses.

2. How serious a threat is the quagga mussel? Did the county move fast enough to stop its spread to Clear Lake and other county bodies of water?

No, it didn’t move fast enough, most people don’t remember that this was first reported to the board over three years ago. In order to move on it at that time it would have taken a lot of convincing of the boating and recreation community. Taking measures that long ago would have been too visionary to be realistic, as the business community would have presented serious concerns.

However, there was a substantial delay between the time this was brought before the board in 2007, and the time it was acted upon in 2008. Months passed by with no direction from the supervisors, which led to the pandemonium that ensued in order to come up to speed.

I specifically stated to the board in 2007 that this item should be kept on the agenda every week until acted upon, as out of sight does equal out of mind.

3. Where do you stand on Propositions 98 and 99, and, most particularly, what is your position regarding the use of eminent domain to seize private property for the purpose of transferring ownership to a private developer to build shopping centers, industrial complexes and other non-public projects?

Proposition 98 is a rehash of legislation that has already been rejected by the voters. Its primary goal is not the protection of private property from eminent domain for economic gain, but rather a smoke screen to disassemble rent control, environmental protection and other local controls. The Ag Element of our General Plan specifically states that utility easement should be kept out of farmland, farmers are not threatened

On the other hand Proposition 99 is what we all want. The protection of private citizens from government meddling to promote economic growth, usually having to do with big box stores. Eminent domain has a specific use and that is the advancement of specific goals related to public good. This is very straightforward choice; I am 100 percent against Proposition 98 and 100 percent for Proposition 99.

4. What is your position on rent control?

Rent control is a tool that is often used to protect seniors and sustain affordable housing for low-income families and the disabled. There are areas and situations where rent control has caused diminished profits unnecessarily through sub-leasing. That does not however preclude the necessity for it.

The Lake County Mobile Home Task force has dragged its feet for years on establishing protections for mobile home owners. I have attended just three of those meetings, as they have been strung out, canceled on short notice, and been to one degree or another a frustration for both factions. The Condo Conversion Ordinance is the only piece of legislation that this board can lay claim to.

Although ultimately voting in favor of it, my opponent was unnecessarily impolite and arrogant during the meeting. A former supervisor indicated to me that he thought rent control would pass if brought before the public, because its primary purpose in Lake County is to protect senior citizens.

Currently the Task force is considering “Long-Term Leases” and although the senior citizen representatives have indicated a desire to establish a rent control ordinance, the balance of the committee has rejected such discussions. Further meetings will be forthcoming in the meantime inaction is the tool of the political trade. If we cannot negotiate a reasonable agreement for both sides of this issue, then it may be best put in the public’s hands, this must be settled.

5. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, how will you uphold your oath of office?

On January 11, 1966, upon entry into the United States Marine Corp I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States of America, against all enemies foreign and domestic. I have never wavered from that, and never will; it was a lifetime commitment.

6. Are you in favor of rezoning agricultural lands to other uses?

No. Agricultural lands must be protected; farmers must be provided the kind of support necessary to make a decent living while at the same time sustaining this county, state and nation. I have written about this in on my Web site under “Economy.” McMansions are sprouting up already on our best soils; I patently refuse to be party to the end of agriculture in Lake County.

7. Does Lake County need more protection against unrestricted development of ridgelines and hilltops, or other key points in the viewshed? Why or why not?

Lake County has a very big viewshed, in fact you might say it’s one big viewshed, and there are homes popping up on these sites right now in District 5, and all around the lake. I m not in favor of homes that are built to have a 360-degree view from a peak or ridgeline. A formula for zoning should be established.

The first step is to establish exactly what areas are likely to be developed and compare them to the need of housing in that area, as our ridgelines are pretty distant in many places. Then establish the density of the proposed growth based on current or proposed zoning. Create a model based on the degree of view which would be afforded the housing (45, 90, 180, 360 degrees).

Consider county-mandated zoning of an area that would provide for protection of residential views and height limits. Likewise, consider zoning that uses green technology to reduce the impact of such residences on the overall appearance of the ridgeline and adjoining land. Be willing to give up some viewshed to protect agricultural land. Homes in the chemise, and on marginal lands are better than the loss of cropland. Mitigate, negotiate, and find common ground. This is the essence of our country.

8. What is Lake County spending too much and/or too little on?

In all the time I have spent listening to, watching, and participating in supervisors meetings, I haven’t heard any department manager say, “Gee, I have too much money.” There are always methods of reducing costs, by changing strategies and/or approaches to projects. For example, if you fill a pothole with hot mix asphalt, the pothole comes back the next time or two it rains. If you fill the pothole with cold mix asphalt the pothole holds up significantly better as rains continue. Cold mix asphalt costs close to $20 per ton more, but if half the number of times you go back or less, the value far exceeds the expense.

If you seek to find what seems to be little things it starts to add up, but to say we are spending too much on roads would be ridiculous, why on earth would supervisors be promoting “Benefit Assessment Zones” for road rehab? Does anybody think Mental Health spends too much? The situation with Mental Health across this country is shameful, and it not the fault of those who are filling those needs, rather it is the fault of this society that ignores the needs of the disabled. Efficiency is where we need to focus our attention, reducing errors by giving employees time to do their job fully and completely, without interruption. The higher the level of efficiency the lower costs will be.

9. Are you for or against background checks and drug testing for In-Home Supportive Services workers who care for Lake County's elderly? Why or why not?

Caregivers, who sign up for the In Home support Services Registry have agreed to submit to such criteria. Are there privacy issues at stake? Yes there are privacy issues involved. While there are those who have made mistakes in their lives, this shouldn’t preclude them from serving and earning a living. If a person in need chooses a family member to serve them, then we have no choice, regardless of the person’s background to fulfill that request and although this may be troubling, the County of Lake shouldn’t be trying to make new law. If any provider perpetrates a fraud or other abuse upon a client, then they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and be barred from any such employment in the future.

10. What benefit or negative impact do you believe Indian gaming has had on the county's economy and county government's budget?

Let me start by saying that I have never voted in favor of a gaming initiative. There is often the claim that such brings criminal activity, but nowhere is there a study that proves these claims, it is often just assumed, or used as fear mongering. Now traffic is an issue with gaming that is real and in many cases substantial i.e., Cache Creek. We have three major casinos in Lake County at this time. It is possible there will be another. Beyond that I am not in favor of any more expansion. Indian gaming has brought money to local businesses, has provided funds for a wide variety of public needs, has provided the Native American community the opportunity to take part in protecting our environment and, more importantly, it has provided the Native American Community the opportunity to establish Indian self-determination, thereby helping to restore their culture.

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Incumbent Supervisor Rob Brown (with a four-legged friend in the background) is seeking reelection this year. Courtesy photo.

1. What issues do you believe are most central to this year's District 5 supervisorial election? {sidebar id=76}

The continued fiscal health of the County is the most crucial issue. Without hat, other issues that we are face, with such as public safety and infrastructure will be seriously compromised.

2. How serious a threat is the quagga mussel? Did the county move fast enough to stop its spread to Clear Lake and other county bodies of water?

It is very serious and I believe the Board has acted appropriately to minimize the risk.

3. Where do you stand on Propositions 98 and 99, and, most particularly, what is your position regarding the use of eminent domain to seize private property for the purpose of transferring ownership to a private developer to build shopping centers, industrial complexes and other non-public projects?

I have consistently opposed eminent domain and I support 98 and oppose 99

4. What is your position on rent control?

I believe it is unnecessary.

5. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, how will you uphold your oath of office?

I have demonstrated, for the last 8 years in office, that we have a constitutional obligation to the public that we serve. I have made myself available to my constituents and have, to the best of my ability, made decisions that I believe to be fair.

6. Are you in favor of rezoning agricultural lands to other uses?

There are times that it might be in the best interest however, it should be avoided whenever possible. I am generally opposed to that type of rezone.

7. Does Lake County need more protection against unrestricted development of ridgelines and hilltops, or other key points in the viewshed? Why or why not?

I don't see it as an issue. Currently there is no such thing as "unrestricted development" anywhere in Lake County.

8. What is Lake County spending too much and/or too little on?

I have a strong held belief that we are spending too much on real estate purchases and not nearly enough on infrastructure.

9. Are you for or against background checks and drug testing for In-Home Supportive Services workers who care for Lake County's elderly? Why or why not?

I support background checks and drug testing for IHSS workers. With the current system, we are placing many people that have a history of serious criminal behavior, in the homes of the most vulnerable, our seniors. That is unacceptable and we shouldn't be caving to the pressures of the union bosses in Los Angeles for fear of political reprisal.

10. What benefit or negative impact do you believe Indian gaming has had on the county's economy and county government's budget?

I have been an opponent of any new casinos in Lake County. I feel the impacts far outweigh the benefits and the folks that lose the most have the least to lose. Due to losses to gaming, people have less to spend on necessary living expenses.

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Lee Lambert, Southshore Little League's president, and Lori Peters, a minor player agent with the league, presented the rehabilitation and revitalization plan for Redbud Park's sports facility.

The group, which has been in existence 50 years, serves children ages 5 through 15, and turns no one away due to lack of funds, said Lambert.

Lambert said the league created a committee for redeveloping the park's ball fields. Currently, the park has two ballfields that are unkempt, besides a “severely deteriorated” softball field.

The league's goal is to upgrade the park and its fields, which Lambert said provide more than 3,000 children with a place to recreate outdoors.

Proposed work includes renovating the fields and dugouts, installing new sod, sprinklers and bleachers; building handicapped-accessible restrooms, an outdoor dining area and kitchen facility; installing security and night game lighting; and building a pavilion, conference room and storage area.

Peters, who also is the Clear Lake Chamber's executive director, has put her grant-writing skills to work on the group's behalf, with Lambert reporting that the league is in line to receive a $200,000 grant. They'll know soon if they'll receive the funds.

Lambert said the league plans to approach local clubs and organizations to seek assistance. They hope to construct the fields through volunteer labor, which will cut costs by as much as 55 percent.

Peters added that many social and business organizations already have pledged their support for the project.

Lambert said the newly renovated park would be closed at dark and reopened in the mornings, in order to keep it safe from vandalism, which has been a frequent problem. Council member Joyce Overton suggested that they put up lockable gates around the dugouts, because she didn't believe locking the entire park would prevent damage.

Barry Johnson, whose company, Superior Acquisitions Inc., owns the Outrageous Waters property, sent the city a letter offering to donate the water park's eight batting cages to the city. Southshore Little League asked the city to donate those for inclusion in the park plan.

Vice Mayor Chuck Leonard said he thought that Lower Lake High School had wanted the batting cages, and said he preferred Johnson donate the cages directly to the group of his choice and not have the city act as an intermediary.

“I'm impressed with what all of you have done,” Mayor Curt Giambruno told Lambert and Peters, adding that he hopes they can pull it off in the proposed five-year span.

Giambruno said he spoke to Johnson about the batting cages. According to Giambruno, Johnson – who grew up in Clearlake and played Little League there himself – stated he would prefer the cages go to the league. However, he said he would leave the decision, ultimately, up to the city.

“Barry is just waiting for the council to accept the donation to the city,” said Giambruno.

Neiman said Johnson also told him that he would prefer the Little League receive the equipment.

However, because the city doesn't have the money to take them down, reinstall or insure them, the council said the league would have to take those responsibilities if they wanted the cages.

Council member Judy Thein made the motion for the city to accept the cages and pass them on to Southshore Little League, with Overton seconding. The vote was 4-1, with Leonard voting no.

Lambert said the cages will be open to the public and supervised by a league representative.

The council asked Lambert and administrative staff to come back with a draft use agreement to determine the responsibilities of the city and the league, including use of the fields for soccer games.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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